CHRISTMAS INTERNATIONAL HOUSE

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” —Matthew 25:35

Christmas International House is a national program that started in 1965. Today, more than 30,000 international students have participated, finding a home away from home over the holidays.

This peacemaking program allows students worldwide to experience the United States and its holiday traditions. Usually students travel to a different part of the Americas to experience a new city, new traditions and in our case, “the Heart of America.”

​Christmas International House also allows host families the opportunity to share in and learn about cultures and traditions from around the world. This program is a great way for children in your own family to experience the true meaning of Christmas again for the first time. Students are from China, Japan, Korea, France, Turkey, Ethiopia, Thailand, Kenya and more. Often, lasting relationships develop from sharing this special time together.

Want to be a host family? What to expect …

Host families provide a warm, welcoming environment for their students. Each day,however, Village Church plans activities for the students so that you can go about your life as usual. Students gather at the church each morning and experience the sights of Kansas City, including The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, The Toy and Miniature Museum, Liberty Memorial, Crown Center, the Plaza lights, 18th & Vine jazz and many more.​Still have concerns about being a good host? Visit the ​Christmas International House Web site for FAQs and more information. ​Make it YOUR Mission.